5 Questions to Ask at Your Facelift Consultation

Facelifts are a popular cosmetic procedure for both men and women who want to look and feel more refreshed and youthful. If you’re thinking about scheduling a facelift, read through these important questions to ask your plastic surgeon before surgery to help you decide if a facelift could be the right solution for you.

1.Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

One of the most common questions people ask about facelifts is whether there is an age cutoff for being a good facelift candidate. Age truly doesn’t matter when it comes cosmetic surgery.What’s more important is your overall health and physical condition. It’s very possible for an active 60-year-old to be a better candidate for a facelift than someone who’s 45 and not in the best health.

Some people also choose to try a nonsurgical option such as dermal fillers before getting a facelift. During your consultation, explain your problem spots and goals for your final results so he or she can recommend the best treatment approach.

2.Should I Combine My Facelift with Other Procedures?

Many people don’t realize that a facelift addresses wrinkles and sagging skin in the mid-to-lower face, not the forehead and brow areas. So if a drooping brow or eyelids are also a concern for you, ask your plastic surgeon if combining procedures like a brow lift and/or eyelid surgery could enhance your facelift results.

A brow lift can help to smooth away lines and wrinkles on your forehead, as well as lift a heavy or drooping brow. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can reduce signs of aging on both the upper and lower eyelids, and correct severe eyelid sagging that can contribute to a tired appearance and, in some cases, impaired vision.

3.Will I Still Look Like Myself?

It’s important to outline your goals from the get-go, not just so you and your plastic surgeon are on the same page about what you want, but also to make sure your expectations are realistic. A facelift should help you look like a refreshed, more energized version of yourself—not make you look like a different person.

Make sure you know going into cosmetic surgery what sort of outcome you can expect when all is said and done.

4.Will Losing Weight after a Facelift Affect My Results?

Some people opt for a facelift after losing a substantial amount of weight, which can cause sagging skin and a “hollow” facial appearance. However, if you still plan on losing additional weight, you might want to wait to schedule your facelift until you’ve come close to hitting your goal.That said, small weight fluctuations after getting a facelift shouldn’t affect your results.

5. What Will Recovery Be Like?

Everyone’s recovery experience will be a little different. Generally speaking, you can expect to have some bruising, swelling and mild discomfort for a few days after your facelift. Your plastic surgeon should prescribe you appropriate pain medications to help you feel comfortable during this first stage of recovery.

Plan to take about two weeks off work to rest and recover. Ten to 14 days after your facelift, you should be able to cover up most signs of bruising with makeup and gradually get back to your normal routine. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for about three weeks.As bruising and swelling continue to diminish, your final results will continue to develop.